Cataracts are a very common eye condition that affects people all over the world. It is more common as we age, but can also appear as the result of an injury. At first, the condition may not have a significant impact on your ability to see. The problem will worsen over time until you begin to have serious issues with your sight.

The best thing to do is to catch the condition early so that a doctor can monitor progress and determine the best time for cataract surgery. What signs should you look for when you notice changes in your vision?

Glare and Light Sensitivity – Many patients will start to notice increased sensitivity to bright light. They also see haloes or glare around light sources. This occurs because the cataract scatters light as it enters the eye.

Loss of Color Vision – Cataracts can also reduce a person’s ability to see colors. The clouding effect can wash out hues, causing the world to look drab and muted. Red, yellow, and green shades will begin to appear similar.

Other Common Symptoms – If you experience double vision, trouble seeing at night, and poor central vision, then you may have a developing cataract.

What Do I Do if I Notice the Signs of Cataracts?

If you notice any of the signs listed above, it’s time to seek professional advice. Only a doctor can examine your eyes and provide a diagnosis and treatment option. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & GreyMichigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to make an appointment.

Cataracts are a common problem, but one that is correctable. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 25.7 million people age 40 and up in the U.S. have cataracts. That number is expected to grow to 45.6 million over the next few decades. Good eye health is important, and that means knowing when a procedure is or isn’t needed.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery usually starts with a mild sedative. The doctor will also put anesthetic eye drops into the affected eye to prevent any discomfort. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens, also known as an IOL. If there are no complications, the process should take around 10 minutes.

The patient will be moved to a recovery area until sedation wears off, which can take up to an hour. Vision is greatly improved immediately after surgery, but doctors will generally advise against driving and similar activities for at least 24 hours.

Signs That You Need Cataract Surgery

If your cataracts are not causing issues with your vision, then you do not need to have surgery yet. Once they start to impede on your ability to live safely and independently, then it is time to talk to an ophthalmologist about surgery. Ask yourself if the cataracts are:

Preventing you from completing daily activities

Preventing you from working in your occupation

Interfering with your ability to drive safely

Interfering with your ability to enjoy outdoor activities

If you answer yes to any of these, then it may be time to have your cataracts removed. If you are uncertain, the best option is to talk to a professional. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey at our Southeast Michigan ophthalmologist office today to schedule a consultation.

Double vision can be unsettling. This condition occurs when you perceive two images of one object or scene at the same time. In minor cases, this is a temporary effect that will go away and does not require further medical treatment. Other times, it can be a sign that you need to see a doctor immediately.

Examples of Minor Double Vision

Several things can cause double vision without permanent damage. You may experience this condition if you drink too much alcohol. It can also happen when you are overly tired. In both cases, the issue should be addressed before doing any task including driving a car or going to work.

Dry eyes can also cause double vision. You may be able to apply over-the-counter drops to correct the problem. If dry eyes persist, then it could indicate a bigger problem that needs medical attention.

When to See a Doctor About Double Vision

Double vision can also happen after a brain aneurysm, brain swelling, head injury, or stroke. If you experience any of these or other unexplained symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away.

Corneal irregularities can also produce a double image. You can often correct the problem by wearing special lenses or using a dry-eye treatment. In some cases, a surgical procedure like intacs or corneal implants may be required.

Cataracts are a common condition that usually appears due to an eye injury or aging. When present, cataracts can cause ghost images. This will only occur in the affected eye due to clouding of the lens.

Many people don’t worry about their eyesight until there is a problem. Information is your best weapon against many eye-related conditions and diseases. The following list will help you learn more about your vision.

How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam?

Healthy patients between the ages of 20 and 39 should get a comprehensive eye exam once every two to four years. Grosinger, Spiegelman & Grey ophthalmologists recommend that healthy patients make an appointment annually once they hit age 40 to catch any issue early before there are symptoms.

What Does Nearsighted and Farsighted Mean?

Nearsighted means that you can see objects that are nearby, but your vision becomes blurry the further away an object is to you. Farsightedness is the opposite, meaning you can see objects that are farther away while those that are closer appear blurry.

What Are Cataracts and Can They Be Treated?

A cataract is a condition where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, causing a loss of vision or blindness. They can be removed with surgery. The procedure has a high success rate and involves cutting away the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

Is LASIK Eye Surgery Safe?

LASIK eye surgery is very safe and comes with a low risk of complications. Patients should make sure they choose a reputable facility and learn more about the process and recovery before having the procedure done.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that occurs when fluid builds up in the eye, causing pressure that damages the optic nerve. It is the leading cause of blindness in patients over age 60.

Talk to an ophthalmologist to get answers to other eye care questions or to discuss changes in your vision. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in southeast Michigan to make an appointment.

When your ophthalmologist says the words “cataract surgery,” your initial reaction may be of concern. The thought of someone operating on your eyes can be scary. The good news is that there is nothing to be afraid of if you need this common procedure. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, this operation has a 98% or higher success rate. There are also other benefits that could improve your life.

Regain Control of Your Independence

Cataracts are clouding that appears on the eye’s natural lens. As the condition progresses, the patient will have an increasingly more difficult time performing daily tasks. Things that once came easy, like driving or reading, may become nearly impossible. This can lead to social withdrawal and even depression.

After cataract surgery, many patients find that they regain the ability to perform these common tasks. They can live more independently and return to a more social lifestyle. This can help prevent depression and improves the patient’s overall quality of life.

Lower Your Risk of Falling Injury

When you can see properly, you are less likely to suffer a falling injury. An unseen object or change in terrain can be very dangerous. A fall can have a negative long-term effect, especially on older individuals or those with health conditions that could hinder recovery.

A 2012 study of Medicare beneficiaries with cataracts found that cataract surgery decreased the risk of a hip fracture by 16% one year after the procedure. Patients with severe cataracts lowered the risk by 23%.

Increase Your Chances of a Longer Life

Cataract removal can also increase your chances of living longer. A long-term study released in 2013 revealed that patients had a 40% reduction in mortality risk after cataract surgery compared to those who did not undergo the procedure.

If you experience changes in vision or have cataracts, contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians right away to schedule an appointment to assess your eyes and make a recommendation for treatment.

Diabetic eye disease describes conditions that affect patients with diabetes. All types have the potential to cause severe loss of eyesight and complete blindness. Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels found in the retina and is the most common cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. Diabetic macular edema, or DMA, is swelling in the macula and can occur as a result of diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease

If you or someone close to you is diabetic, you should know how to recognize the signs of eye disease. The early stages may include no symptoms. As the condition worsens, the patient may notice floating spots and blurred vision. An ophthalmologist can diagnose the problem by performing the following tests:

Visual Acuity Testing – Using an eye chart to measure patient’s ability to see at a distance

Tonometry – Measures the pressure inside the eye

Pupil Dilation – Dilation with eye drops to allow a doctor to examine the retina and optic nerve

Some cases of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy are irreversible. The best way to avoid irreparable damage is early detection. Patients can slow progression by maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Patients should also keep blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels to lower risk as much as possible.

Diabetic Eye Disease Prevention

The same tactics are also employed to prevent diabetic eye disease altogether. Control blood sugar levels and report any changes in vision as quickly as possible. Patients should schedule regular eye exams to watch for changes that could indicate the beginning of the condition. Contact Grosinger, Spigelmen & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians for an appointment today.

Amblyopia, better known as lazy eye, is a condition that prevents one eye from focusing properly. The affected eye appears normal but does not function as it should because the brain is relying more heavily on the other eye.

Causes of Lazy Eye

Any condition that doesn’t allow the eye to focus can cause amblyopia. It can also be brought on by strabismus, or the misalignment of both eyes. Patients with strabismus may have eyes that turn out or cross. Cataracts can also cause lazy eye.

Lazy Eye Treatment

Patients who wear glasses may notice some vision improvement, but this will not completely correct the condition. The brain becomes accustomed to seeing the blurry image of the affected eye, which means it must re-learn how to use it.

To do this, the normal eye can be covered with a patch. This may be done for several hours daily or all day. Treatment may take weeks or even months. People who have trouble wearing the patch can be given a prosthetic contact lens that stops light from entering the good eye.

Atropine eye drops may be used instead. One drop is placed in the patient’s good eye each day to blur vision and force the brain to strengthen the lazy eye.

Adults with lazy eye or anyone who notices changes in their vision should contact one of our ophthalmologists to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options. Contact Eye Michigan for an appointment today.

As we age, many of us find that our vision isn’t what it used to be. There are many things that can affect our ability to see the world. It’s important to understand the most common diseases, so you know when to seek medical attention.

Cataracts

Cataracts appear as clouding on the lens of the eye. This area is made of protein and water. As we age, the protein may begin to clump together, causing the cloudy appearance. Cataracts usually begin with fuzzy or cloudy vision and glare-related issues. Patients may also describe double vision in one of their eyes. This condition can be corrected with surgery.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve that brings on blindness. Patients may notice no symptoms at first. As the condition worsens, they will begin to notice peripheral sight fading.

Glaucoma ranks as the biggest cause of vision loss in the U.S. It may be treated with medication or eye drops. When a prescription doesn’t work, surgery may be recommended.

Temporal Arteritis

This condition occurs when large and medium arteries in the temple are blocked or become inflamed. Patients may describe a severe headache and pain when chewing. After a few weeks, the patient may also experience sudden vision loss in a single eye accompanied by a low-grade fever. Vision may be restored if the condition is caught early.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a disorder that can happen in patients with diabetes. As the disease changes retinal blood vessels, they can begin to leak and grow where they shouldn’t be. This can lead to hemorrhaging. As the vessels heal, they can cause retinal detachment. Diabetic retinopathy symptoms include shadows, distorted or blurred vision, and partial loss of vision in one eye.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration causes diminished sight at the center of the patient’s field of vision. It happens when the macula deteriorates. Patients may notice difficulty reading, driving, or performing other tasks. This condition can be treated with laser surgery.

If you notice a change in vision or any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your eye doctor immediately for an appointment. The best way to ensure maintaining healthy vision is by visiting your ophthalmologist yearly for a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Color blindness describes a condition that causes a person to have a deficiency in their ability to view color. A color blind person is not blind and can otherwise see normally. A red and green deficiency is the most common, while blue and yellow deficiency is rare. Prevent Blindness America estimates that around 8% of males and less than 1% of females are color blind.

The Symptoms of Color Blindness

How does a person determine that they are color blind if they were born with the condition and never saw color the way others do? Color blindness is inherited and can be diagnosed early in childhood. An eye doctor can use HRR (Hardy-Rand-Rittler) and Ishihara Color Plates screening tests to evaluate patients.

The only real symptom of this condition is a deficiency in how a person interprets colors. Most patients see a washed out hue. It is rare for someone to only see gray tones.

The Cause of Color Blindness

There are six to seven million cones in our eyes that are responsible for letting us see color. They are found in the center of the retina in an area called the macula. When these photoreceptors do not respond as they are supposed to, it prohibits the eye from seeing certain colors properly.

If you had normal sight and suddenly notice an inability to see colors, contact Eye Michigan immediately for an appointment. This is not normal and could be an indication of another health issue, like cataracts.

LenSx Cataract Surgery

The LenSx® Laser signifies a bold leap forward in cataract surgery. The first femtosecond laser cleared for use in cataract surgery, it brings image-guided computer precision to refractive cataract surgeons.